By Kabuye Ronald
A man accused of carrying out a deadly attack at a Kampala daycare centre has pleaded not guilty to four counts of murder, as his trial gets underway in a public court session at Ggaba.
Christopher Okello Onyum, the prime suspect in the killing of four children at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre, has denied all charges brought against him.
He entered his plea during a court session currently being held at the Ggaba Community Church grounds, where proceedings remain ongoing. Onyum faces four counts of murder linked to the deaths of toddlers at the daycare facility.
The suspect was earlier committed to the High Court for trial after investigations into the April 2, 2026 incident were completed.
According to the prosecution, the case arises from a violent attack at the daycare centre in which four young children were killed while under care. Authorities allege that the killings were unlawful and carried out with prior planning.
Court records show that Onyum was assessed and found mentally fit to stand trial. A psychiatric report presented before court confirmed he is of sound mind and capable of understanding the proceedings, despite earlier concerns about a possible history of mental illness.
At the time of his arrest, investigators recovered several items from the suspect, including two American passports, two mobile phones, two laptops, a United States driving permit, a medical sanity form, and a certificate of good conduct. Prosecutors have yet to explain how these items relate to the charges but are expected to present them during trial.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions stated that evidence gathered points to a premeditated attack.
“The prosecution’s case shall, at trial, reveal a sequence of deliberate and calculated actions preceding the attack. Investigations indicate that the accused planned the offence over several days before launching a violent assault on the children,” the DPP said.
Prosecutors allege that on April 2, 2026, at Ggaba Trading Centre in Makindye Division, Kampala, Onyum acted with malice aforethought and caused the deaths of four children: Gideon Eteku, Keisha Agenorwoth Otim, Ignitius Sseruyange, and Ryan Odeke.
Investigations further indicate that the suspect had earlier visited the facility seeking admission for his child. He was reportedly advised to return later, after which he came back, paid the required fees, and allegedly carried out the attack shortly afterward.
The victims have been identified as Ryan Odeke, aged 18 months; Gideon Eteko, aged two and a half years; Keisha Elungat, aged two; and Ignatius Sseruyange, also aged two.
